Grandma's favourite place is her garden. It seems like she could stay there forever! Marcus wants to know why - so they set about exploring it together. From shells protecting seeds (like Marcus's helmet protects his head!) to a small seed eventually growing into something big (also just like Marcus!), there are so many amazing connections to be made in this wonderful place. Day after day, Marcus delights in realising how much he has in common with the plants - he drinks water every day, too, and he gets haircuts just like the plants get pruned. As his grandma says, there's a whole world to explore in a garden, and Marcus likes thinking about it as a playground for all the snails, birds, bugs, and worms. And one of its many beauties is the bounty they are rewarded with after all the love and care they pour into it!

About the Author
Marcus Bridgewater, known on social media as Garden Marcus, is also the author of How to Grow: Nurture Your Garden, Nurture Yourself. Media outlets that have featured his work include Vogue, Dwell, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and The Drew Barrymore Show. A creator, educator, motivational speaker, and plant enthusiast, he is also the founder and CEO of Choice Forward, a company that offers life coaching, seminars, and workshops. He lives in Texas with his wife, son, and a thousand plants.

Reggie Brown also illustrated the New York Times bestselling picture book Who Are Your People? (by Bakari Sellers), as well as Bros (by Carole Boston Weatherford), Tacko Fall: To New Heights (by Tacko Fall and and Justin Haynes), Santa in the City (by Tiffany D. Jackson), and the chapter book series The Magnificent Makers (by Theanne Griffith). The recipient of the California Arts Council's 2023 Established Artist Award, Reggie is passionate about bringing stories of Black children and families to life, one picture at a time. When he's not busy in his studio, you can find him indulging in his love for fantasy, superheroes, and science fiction. He lives in San Diego, California.

Reviews
"Bridgewater spotlights the positive power of greenery in this children's debut. As young Marcus's grandmother offers upbeat instruction in gardening basics, the pair draw parallels between human and plant needs. . . . Working with mangoes, tomatoes, pineapples, and cilantro, the duo model attentiveness to nature, with Grandma observing that 'plants grow better when you show them love.' Dialogue-driven lines frequently convey an exuberant tone . . . while Brown's texturized digital artwork centers Marcus's evident glee as a budding gardener, amplifying the story's message of nurturing curiosity and supporting growth across species." -Publishers Weekly

"[Bridgewater] tells the story of a curious Black child who discovers 'a playground for nature.' . . . Before Marcus can even take off his bright red helmet, he's caught up in the garden that Grandma cares for. . . . Mango seeds, tomato seedlings, and squirming worms comprise a delicate ecosystem that Marcus is eager to learn more about. Grandma clearly draws connections between plant and human growth as she patiently explains that both children and seedlings need 'water and air and sunshine. And space to grow.' Vibrant details, such as Grandma's curly hair and large, round, red glasses, enhance a green space already packed with diverse life ranging from a prickly pineapple plant to a small snail. . . . As the story transitions from the garden to the kitchen, its themes of nourishment and care remain potent, supported well by an author's note that dedicates the book to Bridgewater's grandmother and the invaluable lessons she espoused. A simple yet effective introduction to green spaces for young readers." -Kirkus Reviews



Book Information
ISBN 9780593406076
Author Marcus Bridgewater
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Nancy Paulsen Books
Publisher Nancy Paulsen Books
Weight(grams) 391g
Dimensions(mm) 275mm * 251mm * 9mm